The 14 Texts David Taylor’s Attorneys Presented Claiming He Did Not Control Call Center Workers
The legal team for David Taylor, a self-proclaimed church leader accused of exerting control over his followers' lives, is requesting a judge to reconsider a detention order that mandates Taylor remain in custody as he awaits trial.
Background of the Case
Last month, a judge denied bond for David Taylor, deciding that keeping him in custody was necessary to prevent contact with church members during ongoing court proceedings. Taylor, alongside Michelle Brannon, the church’s executive director, faces accusations of compelling church members in Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri to work without pay while soliciting donations at church call centers.
Evidential Text Messages
The federal indictment includes numerous text messages in which Taylor seemingly ordered punishments for workers who failed to achieve donation targets. The alleged punishments involved food deprivation, lack of sleep, no shelter, and denial of medical care.
Defense Arguments
In a recent motion appealing the detention order, Taylor’s attorneys contend that these texts were exchanged during a "theological orientation," known in the church as a "boot camp."
“The orientation was rigorous, but not harmful, and was voluntarily attended by every participant.”
The defense argues this context is vital to understanding the nature of the messages and disputes claims of abusive control.
Summary
Taylor’s legal team challenges the detention order by framing the contentious texts as part of a voluntary religious training, denying allegations of coercion or harmful practices.
Author's summary: David Taylor’s lawyers argue that texts suggesting harsh control were part of a voluntary religious training, seeking to overturn his pretrial detention.